Codemasters announces that the successful Korean MMORPG RF Online has launched
in the US and UK:

New York (Feb. 21, 2005) - RF Online, one of the Far
East’s most successful massively multiplayer online games, is crossing over to
the West as Codemasters announces it is now shipping the much-anticipated MMO to
retail outlets in the U.S. and U.K.

RF Online (Rising Force Online) was created by and licensed from MMO publishers
CCR, Inc. of South Korea, and delivers a supremely rich gaming experience that
has already attracted more than 1 million players in the Far East since its
launch last year, and currently thousands of gamers in the West, through the
hugely popular Western BETA.

“Watching RF Online ship caps a major achievement for Codemasters Online
Gaming,” said Ed Relf, Head of Marketing for Codemasters Online Gaming. “The
beta test has been very well received and it’s a delight to be launching what is
set to be one of the most anticipated MMO releases of 2006.”

With stunning in-game visuals and jaw-dropping character and environment detail,
RF Online is an incredible next generation MMO game. It features a unique blend
of magical fantasy mixed with futuristic science-fiction action and sees players
engaging in the most epic battles ever seen in a MMO role-playing game.

Set in the deep space galaxy of Novus, RF Online allows players to pick from
three all-powerful warring factions and lead his or her character into the final
battle for control over the entire Novus galaxy.

RF Online delivers a unique approach to player versus player gameplay, utilizing
one of the most advanced combat systems of any MMO title. Full-scale battles
break out daily as thousands of players engage in deadly wars – the reward of
victory is high: the winning race gains control of the game world’s most
valuable mine and its precious resources.

Each race has its own characterization, with skills and abilities taken from
both traditional fantasy and science fiction. Players can join the Bellato Union
and take control of their incredible Mech battle units, the like of which has
never been seen before in any MMO game.

Players can also choose to join the Holy Alliance Cora, a mystical and
fantasy-orientated race or sign up to the mighty Accretia Empire, a futuristic
robotic race intent on pillaging resources and spreading devastation across the
entire Novus sector with their advanced weapon systems.

RF Online, rated T for Teen, carries an MSRP of $49.99 and includes one month’s
free subscription with a monthly subscription thereafter of $14.99.

The grind is even worse (more boring) than L2. Especially post 30. Horrible environment graphics, (the character art is decent- that's why it's always the feature of screenshots, not the environment) less character customization than L2, mindless combat with only one or two powers for 30 levels = fun for Koreans, but crap for the rest of the world. PvP is interesting the first few chip wars but not enough substance to make you want to do it over and over. Imagine being stuck in Thidranki or Warsong Gulch forever fighting over the same ground and nothing changes.

Drilling holes in a rock is about as entertaining really. Definately an avoid at all costs for RPers or players looking for deep gameplay, immersion or a challenge.

If you must have a SCI-FI mmo... try Anarchy Online or EvE, they far surpass the overall quality of RF.